Will Ridgewood Schools Open Remotely? To Be Determined

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a letter to the Ridgewood School Community, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein expressed uncertainty.

Fishbein, who along with the district submitted their plans for reopening earlier this month, said that Gov. Phil Murphy's recent decision to allow full-remote openings in schools across the state through a wrinkle into plans.

"First, I would like to thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times," he began. "None of us has ever been through a pandemic, and I certainly have never led a district through a reopening of schools under such fluctuating and uncertain conditions. I truly understand your frustration and stress."

Fishbein didn't say whether the all-remote option would be implemented, but he hinted that the district would consider it once they received the criteria to do so from the state.

Ridgewood, as of Aug. 17, didn't have a plan in place for all remote learning, simply because, Fishbein said, it wasn't an option at the time they were crafting and submitting the learning model.

However, given recent news and uncertain policies, it wouldn't be surprising if the district were to submit one soon.

"These constant changes in guidance and mandates from the State of New Jersey, in addition to the news reports of unsuccessful school openings in other areas of the country, have caused increased anxiety concerning opening schools in our own state," said Fishbein.

Though he didn't have an update on how schools would reopen, he did tell parents to expect changes, and said schedules would be finalized the week of Aug. 24.

Here's Fishbein:

"Our principals expect to finalize our schedules during the week of August 24. I know this is late, but the numerous changes have impacted the work they have done and now need to redo. Parents should expect teacher and class assignments to change, and given the option for parents to transition between instructional models, parents should also expect that some staffing assignments may shift over the course of the fall as well. I continue to ask for your patience and understanding. I know that we all want what is best for our students and educators to keep our community safe and strong, and I am confident that we can work through the challenges and obstacles that are confronting us."

To read the full letter, click here: https://www.ridgewood.k12.nj.u...